The Chainsmokers burst onto the mainstream music scene in 2015 with the song “Roses” which gave them theirfirst top ten single. This duo is made up of Alex Pall and Drew Taggart and they have taken the music scene by storm with their edgy and some might say addictive brand of techno music. The Chainsmokers followed up the first top ten song with further hits Paris and in a collab with Coldplay on the song Something Like This. Usually trying to follow up the success can be a daunting task as a band tries to keep churning out similar sounding songs. However The Chainsmokers took a different route.

The song Sick Boy which came out earlier this year is the first taste of this band’s new and darker sound. Hugh McIntyre from Forbes.com spoke with Pall and Taggart before a show they performed earlier this year to discuss the new song, and the darker sound. AFter not putting out music for nine months, The Chainsmokerssurprised their fans and the music industryby releasing a song that was just a taste of the story they hope to tell with the darker tunes.

Not only is the sound different, but theband has grown up a lot in the last few years and this is a reflection of how that growing up has changed them. The darker sound was shaped by anger and frustration at how they were portrayed. The band feels like with how present social media is to just about everyone these days had made it so that no one gets a whole look at a person, and they want to use music as a way for people to relate to each other better and more completely than what is shown through glimpses of online profiles and actions.

Alex Pall and Drew Taggart the duo makes up the American DJ and production group the Chainsmokers. They were recently at The Billboard Music Awards, where thousands had come to see the performances and awards. The awards ceremonies took place in Las Vegas at the Grand Garden Arena. The duo was awarded the Top Dance/Electronic Act award. Among others that were at the gala with them was Halsey and Kelly Clarkson both famous singing sensations.

The ceremony had a somber tone when Avicci, a Swedish DJ and producer who was much loved in the community was honored. Avicci’s death was felt throughout the industry, struggling with mental problems and in the end taking his own life. The duo spoke about how Avicci had inspired and had touched so many artists inside EDM and that he meant so much to the community. Halsey who had sang on the Chainsmokers track “Closer” with Drew Taggart added “Everyone who worked with him would say he was such a joy and that makes his tragedy so much more painful. It is a reminder to all of us to be there and support and love our friends and family members who may be struggling with mental illness.”

When the Chainsmokers received their award, Taggart went on to say “We want to dedicate this award to Avicci, he is someone who made us believe that this is something we could do with our lives. Inspired all of us. Influenced our music and influenced pop music in general. He will be missed and I hope he has found peace.”

The Chainsmokers are a very talented duo and have had the honor of winning the 2017 Top Hot 100 Song. This year they presented the award to Luis Fonsi for “Despacito”. They have collaborated with Coldplay on the single “Something Just Like This” in February of 2017. The most recent work has been with Drew Love on the single “Somebody” which is building up to their next album release Sick Boy EP